Assistant Project Manager - PLA

LJA Engineering, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

Health benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Volunteer days

Job summary

Pharis Design an LJA Company is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to support design planning and project management for landscape architecture and land development projects. You will work closely with the design team to ensure creative, feasible, and high-quality outcomes across design coordination and project execution.

The role involves coordination of design activities, assisting in planning, budgeting, and communication with clients, while upholding design standards and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or related field.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with clients and teams.
• Knowledge of zoning, codes, and landscape planning concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design coordination with the design team to deliver innovative solutions.
• Assist Project Manager with project planning, scheduling, and resources.
• Provide client updates and maintain client relationships.
• Conduct quality control reviews of design deliverables.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation.

Skills

Project management

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Client communication

Design coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or landscape architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Pharis Design an LJA Company is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES PHARIS DESIGN DIFFERENT

At Pharis Design an LJA Company, our employee‑owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Assistant Project Manager at Pharis DesignLand Development, you will be responsible for supporting the design planning and project management efforts of the firm. With a focus on creativity, design oversight, and project execution, you will work closely with the design team to ensure successful project outcomes. Your responsibilities will include design coordination, project management support, client communication, quality control, and creative problem‑solving.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Design Coordination:
• Collaborate with the design team to develop creative and innovative design solutions that align with client objectives and project requirements.
• Assist in the coordination of design activities, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and adherence to design standards.
• Project Management Support:
• Assist the Project Manager in project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to ensure efficient project execution.
• Contribute to the development of project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
• Client Communication:
• Serve as a point of contact for clients, providing updates on project progress, addressing concerns, and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Effectively communicate design concepts and solutions to clients, incorporating their feedback and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Quality Control:
• Under the supervision of a Principal Planner, Associate Principal Planner, or Project Manager, conduct regular quality control reviews to ensure design deliverables meet the highest standards of excellence and align with project goals.
• Identify and address design issues or discrepancies in a proactive and timely manner.
• Creative Problem‑Solving:
• Apply creative problem‑solving skills to overcome design challenges, proposing innovative solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and feasibility.
• Collaborate with the design team to generate ideas and explore alternative design approaches.
• Design Oversight:
• Under the supervision of a Principal Planner, Associate Principal Planner, or Project Manager, provide design oversight and guidance to the design team, ensuring design integrity, adherence to project objectives, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Review and provide feedback on design deliverables, offering constructive suggestions for improvement.
• Project Documentation:
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of project documentation, including design plans, specifications, and project records.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, promoting effective communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork among project team members.
• Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including landscape architects, engineers, and consultants, to integrate design elements seamlessly.
• Continuous Learning and Development:
• Stay updated with industry trends, design standards, and emerging technologies to enhance design capabilities and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Seek opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to support multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in design software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or other relevant tools.
• Excellent creativity and design sense, with the ability to develop innovative and visually appealing solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality design deliverables.
• Problem‑solving skills and the ability to think critical to overcome design challenges.
• Understanding of design principles, landscape architecture, and urban planning concepts.
• Familiarity with zoning regulations, codes, and guidelines related to landscape architecture and urban planning.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic work environment.
• Adaptability and flexibility to adjust to changing project requirements and client preferences.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Effective communication skills, both oral and written
• Effective interpersonal skills with coworkers

LEVEL UP WITH PHARIS DESIGN

At Pharis Design an LJA Company, we’re 100% employee‑owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee‑owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company‑sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.